I, like many of you, have been shaken by the newest scandals concerning the Church. I was angry when former Cardinal McCarrick’s vile actions came to light. Just after that shock, I was depressed by the Pennsylvania grand jury report. I was stunned, furious, and troubled with all that came out. Frankly, it sounded like the basest anti-Catholic propaganda, but it was all true.

The other friars and I have been discussing these terrible events at length, trying to understand what has happened and what can be done. Great evil has entered the Church. Men who have dedicated their lives to serving God have instead become perpetrators of evil. St. Peter warns us to “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Many of the clergy, even bishops as we have learned, have been neither sober-minded nor watchful, but have instead devoured others.

How do we understand this evil within the Church? Christ warns us that within the Church are mixed those who are true servants of God and those who are not. (Matthew 13:24-30) Even an apostle, Judas, betrayed Christ. But to have such a recent, widespread, and graphic reminder of evil is shocking. And for the Church to have covered up that evil is inexcusable.

And what now? Anger is justified in the face of such evil. However, anger must be more than destructive– anger is meant to drive us to take action that leads to justice and healing. But what can we do? What must happen is reform. God has brought this evil to light in order to heal it. The Church, especially her clergy, must again be sober-minded and watchful. We must face our adversary the devil, as St. Peter next says, “Resist him, firm in your faith.” (1 Peter 5:9)

Therefore, the friars will have Eucharistic Adoration for penance and reform in the Church on Thursday, August 30th at 7pmat St. Joseph’s Church. We invite everyone to come and pray with us for justice, healing, and reform. This is only a first step, but we hope that you will join us in our sorrow and in our hope. God will never abandon us or His Church, “behold, I am with you always, until the end of time.” (Matthew 28:20)

Blessings,

Fr. Boniface Endorf, O.P. Pastor

St. Joseph’s Church in Greenwich Village 371 Sixth Avenue New York, NY 10014